Omaha Bus Accident Lawyer
Omaha bus accidents commonly result from negligent bus drivers or other motor vehicle drivers on the road. However, no matter who is ultimately deemed at fault, bus accidents can result in serious—and sometimes catastrophic—injuries. If you or a loved one are involved in any type of bus accident, an Omaha bus accident lawyer at Inkelaar Law could examine all the aspects of your case and help you to decide your next legal steps. Contact a dedicated injury attorney right away. En Español.
Common Causes of Bus Accidents
Bus accidents may occur on any type of bus, including municipal or city buses, school buses, and charter buses. There are many potential acts that could cause a bus accident in Omaha, many of which place liability on the driver and all of which can have dangerous results.
Distracted Driving
When a bus driver operates a bus in a distracted manner, it can create the perfect conditions for an accident. Distractions may include an electronic device like a cell phone or a GPS, as well as disruptive individuals on board the bus such as loud schoolchildren or bus patrons.
Driving Under the Influence
Alcohol and drugs are depressants which slow down a driver’s central nervous system and reaction time and may also significantly impair their vision. When a bus driver operates a bus while intoxicated or while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, the risk of an accident increases significantly. Driving while under the influence may cause a bus driver to swerve, change lanes abruptly, strike a tree or other object, or collide with another motor vehicle—all of which can result in severe and potentially catastrophic injuries and damages.
Speeding
Speeding may involve exceeding the posted speed limit or driving too fast for the current weather conditions, such as rain, snow, or ice. Buses are large vehicles, and when they move fast on wet surfaces, they have the potential to hydroplane, causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle. Due to their large size, buses can sometimes have difficulty negotiating sharp turns. When this happens, the bus may collide with another vehicle or vehicles on the roadway or at a traffic intersection.
Know that a skilled Omaha bus accident lawyer can represent individuals who have been harmed in these situations through aggressive representation in a court or settlement proceeding.
Potential Liability of Cities, Municipalities, or Bus Companies
Depending on the owner of the bus, cities, municipalities, school boards, or bus companies may be indirectly responsible for bus accidents when they employ drivers who are experienced or who have a history of causing accidents or engaging in reckless driving.
Under these circumstances, the organization that owns or operates the bus could be held liable for hiring, supervising, or retaining a negligent employee. Of course, the negligent bus driver may be held liable under these circumstances as well.
How an Omaha Bus Accident Lawyer Attorney Can Help
No matter who is at fault, you may need a personal injury lawyer on your side who can advocate for your legal interests if you get hurt in a serious bus accident as a passenger. An Omaha bus accident lawyer from Inkelaar Law could evaluate the facts and circumstances of your case and ensure all potentially responsible parties—including cities, municipalities, school boards, bus drivers, and bus companies—are held accountable for their actions.
Inkelaar Law may also be able to help you obtain monetary compensation for all your injuries and damages, including payment of all related medical bills and treatment, as well as compensation for missed time from work and pain and suffering experienced as a result of the accident. For more information or to schedule a consultation, call our office today.